As much as it pains me, the summer is almost over. This means it is time to start looking at a fall wardrobe. There are some fundamental differences between the summer wardrobe and the fall wardrobe. This does not mean that you cannot incorporate pieces from your summer wardrobe into your fall wardrobe though, providing that the pieces are temperature appropriate.

Texture and Weight

Fall is a time in which the temperature begins its decent into the realm of the cold. This does not mean that it is cold yet, but that it could easily become cold. Fall is the time of layering pieces to ensure that you do not freeze. Some of the best pieces for fall are light weight sweaters that feature the short sleeves and wider neck lines. These pieces can be layered with a small wrap or a tank top under them.

The texture for clothing that is fall appropriate should be cotton and a knit. This does not mean that you should be wearing a heavy sweater, but rather that the knit should be a thin and light weight knit material. Be careful that the outfit does not allow you to see through it. Look in a mirror under bright light and low light. Look for bra out lines or shifts in color that would be where your undergarments are located. If you can see your skin tone, then the knit is too open to be used alone. If you see this, put a tank top under the piece. Knit should only be worn on the top, not as a bottom.

Color

Fall is a more drab time of year. This is not to say that there is not burst of color in the fall time. The trees are alive with the fire colors and the sky can frequently still have the beautiful blue color to it. The grass may not be as green as it was, but it is not yet covered with the white of snow. There are some flowers that bloom in this transition time and will appear like oasis of summer and light in the fall world.

Take your que from nature. Wear colors that are vibrant in reds and browns. Small amounts of glitter or sparkle can be worn in your outfits to help to draw more light to you. A great way to get this look is to buy sweaters that have a single strand of metallic thread laced in with the threads used to create the knit. This helps to add a sparkle to the outfit with out over doing it.

Your bottoms should be weather appropriate. If it is cold, please skip the short skirts and hot pants. These outfits are more appropriate for summer. The skirts should be a little longer and walking shorts or Burmuda shorts are much more appropriate for this time of year. On damp days, consider wearing a pair of light weight jeans. Browns and blacks promise to be very popular this year as people are becoming more utilitarian clothing this year.

Cut

As we have discussed before, the cut of your outfits is very important. It helps to define your shape and define the outfit in general. Since it is fall, the ¾ sleeve is going to be more appropriate than the French cut sleeves. The V neck is very popular this year and I suspect it will remain popular as the season shifts. The great thing about the V neck is that it is a great shape for people with ample and not so ample bosoms.

The A line skirt is going to be a big hit this year. This skirt will provide people who do not have a lot of hip some additional shape. Those who are not lacking in hip will find that the skirt will help to balance their shape better than skirts that are pencil shaped. The mermaid skirts are not in this season.

Accessories

There is never enough talk about the accessories. This fall, the accessories are taking a card from the summer look. This includes big and bold pieces. Expect to see a lot of bold colors and clunky styles in the stores. Purses will act as the pops of color and the pieces of jewelry will have a brilliant look. Shoes should also act as pieces of interest. Jackets are not for warmth in this season, but rather as fashion accessories. The Pea coat is still the top of the line jacket and the large buttons help to add a balance to the outfit. Skip the hats early in the fall and allow a bright hair color or modern cut stand out.